Sports

Women’s Tennis Player Stuck Finger In Rival’s Face Demanding Apology That Would’ve Proven Meaningless

#Jelena Ostapenko
by

© Mike Frey-Imagn Images


The US Open saw fireworks on Wednesday following a match between Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend. The former exploded on the latter after being upset.

Ostapenko stuck her finger in Townsend’s face during a post-match handshake. She demanded an apology that would’ve proven meaningless.

Townsend beat Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 in the second round of US Open action. An argument quickly ensued.

Jelena Ostapenko was heated.

Ostapenko reportedly told Townsend that she has “no education” in terms of tennis etiquette.

Earlier in the match, Townsend was the beneficiary of a “net cord.” Essentially, a shot clipped the top of the net but stayed in play.

Townsend got the point. Tennis tradition calls for an apology from winning side, basically as an admission that the outcome was based on luck, not skill.

Taylor Townsend refused to apologize!

She got the point, regardless of how it came about. An apology doesn’t change the result. It’s meaningless!

Townsend didn’t believe the apology was necessary. Jelena Ostapenko called her out on it.

After the win, Townsend spoke on the drama that unfolded at the US Open. She says Ostapenko’s a sore loser that’s bitter over a lack of success against her rival.

The outburst seemed unnecessary, but there is an expectation to follow unspoken rules in some circles. Townsend and Ostapenko clearly disagreed on the topic.

It should make their next meeting all the more exciting!